Pictures of Gem

 So the local paper did a party in the park a few weeks ago.  And I saw that some "characters" were going to be there, and I thought to myself I bet the kids would like that.  But it was a Friday evening and me and the little kids were so fried by then that we couldn't handle waiting in the line.  So Levi and June and I just played on the playground, but Gem got to meet some fun people.

 

 Tuesday was the first day of 2nd grade for Gem.  I couldn't escape buying her new shoes, when she went to put on her shoes from last year her feet could barely squeeze into her old shoes and they were basically bulging.  But luckily Costco came through for us and they had these awesome Sketchers for $20.  I am such a cheapwad, she didn't get any new clothes, and she loves her hand me down back pack from her uncle.  I hope she never realizes that other people go "school shopping" because that will be a sad day for her.  In other news though I think she really likes 2nd grade, but we are having a bit of a time adjusting to our new schedule of getting on the bus at 7:25 and then me teaching piano after school.  She is having to do her jobs and homework on her own, and get up to an alarm.  So as you can imagine, she and I are at constant odds.  Hopefully routine will settle in soon.  It is difficult for me to be patient in the morning because I know she could get all her jobs done before school if she didn't act like a turtle.  But she is a turtle and I will only drive myself crazy if I try to change her.

Here are the other kids they also needed their picture taken after Gem.  We go out and watch until the bus comes in the morning, at least until winter comes.